Age-Based Comparison of Head and Neck Cancer Characteristics and Reconstructive Outcomes: Retrospective Review of 286 Patients
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aims : This study aimed to analyze the impact of age on head and neck cancer reconstruction outcomes. The main objective was to compare cancer-related characteristics, reconstructive approaches, and functional outcomes—including dietary regimen and tube feeding dependency—among head and neck cancer patients stratified by age.Material and methods : A total of 286 patients who underwent flap reconstruction between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and categorized into three age groups: <40, 40–60, and >60 years.Results: Results showed that oral cavity was the most common location of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in all groups. T4 cancer was the most frequent in older age groups and affected 61 (21.3%) patients with poorly differentiated SCC; however, the difference was insignificant. (p = 0.0575) Flap survival rate was 98.6% across all groups. The mean hospital stay was 24.6 ± 15.86 days, notably longer in the >60-year group (p < 0.001). Tube feeding dependency was slightly higher in the >60-year group, although not significantly so (p = 0.1599).Conclusion : Patients with head and neck cancer have similar cancer reconstructive outcomes regardless of age, however, young patients had less aggressive tumors than those with advanced age (>60 years).
Source: Medicina
Institutions: Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
OpenAlex ID: W7159868236